Generation of Z: Apocalypse

Last summer, in the middle of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, we experienced something unique in the form of Generation of Z. Originally created in New Zealand this live theatrical production had it all - extreme drama, great scares, comedy, horror and sadness. At the time we had been told that the London version would be "more extreme" and earlier this week we went along to the official opening.

Like any true theatre production the show has been running for several weeks for reduced price previews and as such, the version that was presented to the World's press on Tuesday was slick, scary and incredibly sticky. Sticky you say? We'll find out later why you don't want to be wearing your best clothes for this show!

The biggest question we get asked about the show is "what is it? Is it a scare attraction?" The answer is a defiant no. Generation of Z is a genuine piece of theatrical entertainment that effectively defies categorisation. The show swings so quickly from confusion to terror, from laughter to lunacy that you can't help but get swept along with it. Yes, there are elements that will leave even the most hardened guest quaking in fear, but it is all done with such joy and passion for the subject that at times you never quite know whether to laugh or scream. A huge set piece only hinted at in the event trailers meant the whole group exploded into a round of applause - only to soon be running for their lives from the ever present zombies!

For those who haven't already gathered, the show is set in an apocalyptic future where the undead have risen and are hungry for brains. Trapped in an underground research facility, a rag-tag group of army soldiers try to come to our rescue (with differing results). The key thing to remember is that NO-ONE is safe, the body count is extremely high and the blood runs rampantly.

One of the biggest changes from the Edinburgh show is just how much blood is thrown around during the show. Wounds bleed, people die and blood flies EVERYWHERE. Half the fun of some of the scenes was just making sure you stayed away from the sticky stuff which was often difficult as you never quite knew where it was coming from next!. The effects including the latex wounds were incredibly realistic and in the "medical" path of the show - was like something straight out of a Hollywood movie.

What is most interesting about the show is that, although it is scripted, it can change throughout the experience depending upon what decisions you make and what actions you chose. Do you let the anxious mother find her child?, which path do you take at the crossroads?, do you volunteer to do a special mission? The show is made by the fact that you HAVE to contribute and the more you get involved, the more you will enjoy it. By holding back the door from attacking zombies, or searching for the required medical equipment, the guests feel compliant in what is happening and completely removed from the outside world. There are four main story lines and these can change depending on the decisions you make. No show will be the same and the cast are well prepared to take on the challenges of the unknown.

Many of the cast from Edinburgh have moved down to this London production and are all believable, sympathetic and engaging. When characters die, you genuinely feel a loss, and when they do something amazing (step forward Corporal Moose) you genuinely cheer for them to succeed. Like any good horror move. the death rate is high and by the time we are ready to escape 90 minutes later, it would seem that our chances for survival are very low.

And then there's that ending. We have to get out of the building and there is only one route left. People in the our performance just stopped and froze when they realised how they would have to face the zombie horde. The finale is exciting, terrifying and audacious, and left everyone running out on a high!

With a show as unique as Generation of Z - it is extremely difficult to correctly classify it, or review it without giving away too much. It's an incredible hybrid of genuine scares, convincing actors, loud explosions and shots with plenty of blood and gore. The only way to really understand it is to buy a ticket and just experience it for yourself. You wont regret it!